Participating in a two-day symposium on ‘Inter-religious sharing and witnessing Mercy for Peace and reconciliation’ organised by KAIICID Dialogue Center and the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, Swami Chidanand Saraswati of Rishikesh gave a proposal to the Pope of Vatican City for a high-level summit on the Ganga and Jordan rivers, the challenges being faced by these sacred rivers and the people who live on their banks.
The seer presented Pope Francis in Rome with an ‘elaichimala’ (rosary made of fresh cardamom pods) on Friday and explained to him that it was a green rosary, both in color and texture, and was eco-friendly. Calling him a Pope of Hope, head of Parmarth Niketan said, “You are bringing a new vision and new concept of religion, a green vision, a vision of religion that thinks, cares and acts for the whole planet. A high level summit on Ganga and Jordan rivers would bring global solutions for saving the historical rivers and the huge population.”
Notably top leaders of the world’s major religions reflected upon the concept on mercy in the world’s religions, and the crucial role it can and must play in peace and reconciliation.
Pope Francis emphasised on mercy in all religions and how important it is to bring this into our lives today. He said: “To bow down with compassionate love before the weak and the needy is part of the authentic spirit of religion, which rejects the temptation to resort to force, refuses to barter human lives and sees others as brothers and sisters, and never mere statistics.” He said: “We receive God’s forgiveness in order to share it with others. Forgiveness is surely greatest gift we can give to others, because it is the most costly. Yet at the same time, it is what makes us most like God.” Sadhvi Bhagwati told The Pioneer that Global Interfaith WASH Alliance was preparing booklets on importance of WASH.